The struggle within-

"Temptation is not sin, but yielding to tempation is sin."

"God tests us to confirm our faith, the devil tempts us to make us fall".

Great reminders. There is a "bottom line" when it comes to temptation. The Bible promises an out every time (1 Corinthians 10:13). And, we can take heart to know that Jesus Christ was tempted in every way we have been, yet was without sin (Hebrews 4:15-16). Listen now to what the Bible says we can do, pretty awesome: "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of GRACE, that we may obtain MERCY and find grace to HELP in time of NEED" (obvisouly, my emphasis added to Hebrews 4:16).

There is a place you can go when tempted. That place offers help. The throne is not just some distant place that houses those who don't know what we are going through. The throne houses the One who walked where we walked, was confronted with the temptations and trials of this life, and is residence to the only One to ever pass through without sin. This is the same Jesus that says he prays for us. Wow.

There is so much opportunity to escape temptation. There is ample room for mercy and grace when you need the help. The throne room calls out to you to deny the lures of temptation and embrace the One who can help you "stand up under it". Today, this week....you can be an overcomer. Don't try it in your own strength. Lean on His. He resides in the Heavenlies and His mercies are new every single day.

So much to be learned about the "best way" to do relationships. It's interesting how everything that began as good has somehow been twisted to be bad. Sex, outside of marriage is sometimes exalted- but produces guilt, shame, jealousy, low trust....just to name a few. But, sex inside of marriage, as the Bible states in Hebrews 13 is honorable. Marriage is honorable among all. Living together is not. And, as we talked about last night- we are not representing those who want to yell at people from the Bible. We want to reveal the true results of living together outside of a lifetime commitment, or marriage. We saw that fear was a big motivator for people to move in together. Their parents couldn't hold it together, so the next generation decides to "test drive" for compatibility before they make the purchase. But, ladies....let me again reiterate- what guy would NOT want to have everything from you without a commitment? Where is the mystery? We live in a society where women reveal too much (and so do guys- "pants on the ground") There is such a draw for guys to mystery, and there just seems to be so little of it in relationships. I'm not talking about being weird or creepy. I'm talking about dressing modestly to leave something to the imagination. And, Kelly mentioned something powerful last night- most women would rather recieve the love of one man than the attention of many. If that's the case, and I believe it is....as believers, we need to hold our standards high even in a long relationship. You can't do it alone. You need constant encouragement. Just don't go through your life missing the opportunity to be full of joy, live with complete trust and enjoy each and every day without looking over your shoulder or living under the cloud of consequence. Need forgiveness? He's got plenty to hand out. Trust God with your singleness. Let Him lead in your relationships (and maybe future marriage). Ask him to help you become a whole person. And, then be satisfied in Him.....

Relationships- Why are they so stinkin' hard sometimes? Ever think of what makes a guy tick and what makes a girl tick? They are somewhere on the polar opposite sides of the universe. Then, how can that possibly work together or for the good? That just doesn't make sense, right? Wrong.

God designed us for relationship.
Many run from it.
Others run over it.
Still some seem to have a seemless time finding "the one". (Why not me, right?)

"Is there a formula to follow? Or am I doing something wrong? Hello up there? Can you hear me?"

If that at all sounds like some of the conversations in your head in your past, you need to be there for the next series on "How to do Relationships". Mondays 7:30pm- Warehouse.

Steve and Kelly will lead this night coming from two very different stages in life. Steve, married at 28 (almost 11 years) with a 2 1/2 yr. old and one on the way, and Kelly, single- having spent 10 years of her life on the mission field, she represents joy and purpose to everyone who knows her and looks in on her life. Married or single, God never changes. We must.

We hope to see you this Monday night!